Tsingy Bemaraha or Grand Tsingy

UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Tsingy Bemaraha National Park or Grand Tsingy is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the world. An extensive area of limestone massif has been eroded into impressive karst pinnacles. This geological wonder is a monument of karst limestone that comprises karstic landscapes and limestone uplands cut into impressive ‘tsingy’ peaks and a ‘forest’ of limestone needles, the spectacular canyon of the Manambolo River, rolling hills and high peaks. The undisturbed forests, lakes and mangrove swamps are the habitat for rare and endangered lemurs.

There are several trekking circuits to choose from. Prior to trekking, your guide will consult you, so you can choose the best circuit that meets your expectation. Tsingy Bemaraha is a treasure trove for nature lovers with a high rate of endemism and diversity. The scientists estimate that the general endemism of this park is 86.7% and the ecoregional one is 47%. 11 species of lemurs can be found here including Deken’s Shifakas, red-fronted brown lemur, Cleese’s woolly lemur and more. Five families of bats and 103 species of birds can be spotted. The index of the reptiles and amphibians is as large, as Bemaraha possesses 34 species that are all endemic. These are just a first taste of what can be discovered on this unique island.

What is the Grand Tsingy?

The Grand Tsingy is the larger and more awe-inspiring of the two sections. It’s a vast “stone forest” of jagged limestone pinnacles that can reach up to 100 meters (328 feet) in height. The name “tsingy” literally means “where one cannot walk barefoot,” a fitting description for this razor-sharp and otherworldly landscape.

Key Features and Experience

Exploring the Grand Tsingy is a physically demanding but incredibly rewarding adventure. The trails are designed as circuits that take you on a journey through, over, and around the limestone formations.

• Via Ferrata and Harnesses: Unlike the Petit Tsingy, the circuits here require you to wear a harness. You will navigate a series of ropes, ladders, and metal rungs (a “via ferrata”) that are fixed to the rock, allowing you to climb up and down the steep walls.
• Suspension Bridges: The most iconic feature of the Grand Tsingy is the network of suspension bridges that connect the towering pinnacles. Crossing these bridges, often with a significant drop below, provides a thrilling experience and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the entire stone forest.
• Labyrinths and Tunnels: The trails also lead you through a maze of narrow canyons, deep fissures, and small caves carved out by millions of years of water erosion. These sections give you a close-up perspective of the intricate geology.
• Panoramic Views: Reaching the summit of the Grand Tsingy is the ultimate reward. From the highest viewpoints, you get a 360-degree vista of the seemingly endless sea of limestone peaks, a truly unique and unforgettable sight.

Wildlife in the Grand Tsingy

While the geology is the main draw, the Grand Tsingy’s unique ecosystem provides a habitat for a variety of endemic flora and fauna.

• Lemurs: The most famous resident is the Decken’s sifaka (Propithecus deckenii), a large, white lemur known for its incredible ability to gracefully leap between the razor-sharp rocks. Other species, like the red-fronted brown lemur (Eulemur rufifrons), are also frequently seen.
• Reptiles: The cracks and crevices are home to a diverse population of reptiles, including several species of chameleons and the perfectly camouflaged leaf-tailed geckos (Uroplatus spp.).
• Birds: Bird enthusiasts can spot a number of species, including the Tsingy wood rail and the Madagascar fish eagle, which can sometimes be seen flying over the nearby rivers.

A visit to the Grand Tsingy is an adventure for those with a good level of fitness and a head for heights. The standard circuits, such as the Andamozavaky circuit, typically take 4-6 hours to complete and are an unparalleled way to experience one of Madagascar’s most spectacular natural wonders.